Florida's political leaders predicted their state would surpass New York in population when federal census figures were released in January. "Florida is on a roll," said Gov. Rick Scott. "Cutting taxes and reducing red tape on businesses is a great catalyst for economic opportunity and job creation."

"If we don't pass them this year, we're going to pass them in the next few months," he boasted last December.

The census report kept New York ahead of Florida by about 100,000 people. But Florida's population is growing faster than ours, due in part to its warm weather and low taxes.

Florida may pass us in population. But state pride, confidence and aspirations depend on how the people of the state view themselves and shape their future. That, in turn, depends on their understanding of state history.

In 2013, Florida joyously celebrated "Viva Florida 500," commemorating the arrival of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon in 1513 and Florida's history since then.

Scott called the celebration "a fitting time to reflect on Florida's dynamic culture, rich diversity and economic prosperity." The kick-off news release defined the objective as to "inspire an even greater pride in Florida heritage."

"Viva Florida 500" was a year-long celebration of state pride and exceptionalism. The initiative's website lists over 800 commemorative events around the state. Creative advertising boosted heritage tourism. There were special educational resources for teachers and students.

Visitors could buy "Ponce Premium Spring Water" ("Florida's springs actually do make one feel more alive and younger," says the promotional announcement); a "Viva 500 Ponce de Leon" necktie ("captures the visual representation of Florida's past 500 years"); and even "Viva Florida Perfume ("a perfume that leaves a memory of Florida," said the fragrance's creator).

The "Viva Florida 500" video blended history and boosterism. Florida has "the longest recorded history of any American state," the narrator notes, marked by growth and progress — in agriculture, business, tourism and population. Florida, on an upward historical trajectory, intends to lead the nation in high-tech industry and education, and to be known as "a state of firsts."

New Yorkers may scoff when they read in the "Viva Florida 500" news release that "Every American should know that the nation's identity began in Florida" or that Florida is "the Gateway to the Americas and the place where the nation's cultures first came together."

That sort of historical leadership is more appropriately attributed to New York. But we are overly modest and reticent about our own history.

In contrast to Florida's effort, New York's commemoration of the 400th anniversary of Dutch exploration a few years ago was a muted affair. The state has not developed an official program to commemorate the Civil War sesquicentennial, despite the fact that it contributed more soldiers, materiel and finances to that war, and sustained more casualties, than any other state. New York is the only state with officially designated local government historians, but in many communities their work receives little recognition or support.

A state law designates November as "New York State History Month" to "celebrate the history of New York State and recognize the contributions of state and local historians." The Commissioner of Education is authorized to conduct an essay contest for students to "reflect upon the importance of New York State history." But State History Month passes every year without any state activities.

By the time Florida became a state in 1845, New York had already constructed the Erie Canal and was on its way to becoming the leading state in population, finance, business and industry. But current state social studies guidelines give little space to New York history. The pending Common Core guidelines that will supersede them include more on New York but don't explore its historic importance or leading economic role. Great companies that started in New York such as IBM, GE and Eastman Kodak, and the state policies that fostered their growth, are not mentioned.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo in an interview in February had a message for New Yorkers considering a move to Florida: the winter weather might be better, but taxes are coming down here. "...for three years we've been cutting taxes. Every New Yorker's taxes are lower than the day I took office."

Cuomo understands the value of history to promote a spirit of optimism. He references New York's historical accomplishments in speeches and has initiated a "Path Through History" heritage tourism program. His 2014 State of the State address described New York's recovery from the recession and state policies to cap or reduce taxes and bring in new businesses. "...we knew that fortune favors the bold and that New Yorkers if anyone know how to beat the odds. We set our sights high ... We were going to reestablish New York as the progressive leader of the nation once again."

That conveys the historical spirit of New York — resilient, restless, dynamic, and determined, always inclined to build a stronger, brighter future.

Scott asserts that Florida's history shows that it "can lead the world in a message of unity and free enterprise." In his State of the State speech in March, he boasted having cut taxes 24 times in the last three years, eliminating some 3,000 small-business regulations, encouraging a tourism industry that is breaking records, and making Florida "a destination for opportunity" as businesses continue to move there from other states. "We are making Florida number one!" he declared.

But New York is also on an upward trajectory and has a stronger claim than Florida to surpassing historical greatness. It has an immense historical capacity for self-renewal and leadership. Our future depends in part on how well we commemorate, study, understand and build on that history.

We certainly could produce something more dignified and sophisticated than "Viva New York" neckties and perfume.

We can learn something from Florida, though, about how to put history to work to promote state pride and inspire a sense of future greatness.

Bruce Dearstyne lives in Guilderland. He was a professor and is an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland. He also was a program director at the New York State Archives.